Kingdom Plantae Family Convolvulaceae Rank Species | Order Solanales Genus Ipomoea | |
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Similar Convolvulus scammonia, Ipomoea sagittata, Ipomoea pandurata, Ipomoea leptophylla, Ipomoea wrightii | ||
Ipomoea purga is a species of flowering plant in the genus Ipomoea. It is commonly referred to as jalap.
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Description
Ipomoea purga is described as a vine that can reach heights of 12 feet. When fresh, the root is black externally, white and milky within, and varies in size according to its age. It has heart shaped leaves and purple trumpet like flowers. Ipomoea purga is rather difficult to break down, but if triturated with cream of tartar, sugar of milk, or other hard salts, the process of pulverization is much easier, and the powder rendered much finer. When in powder form in order to ingest, the color is a pale grayish brown. Ipomoea purga is native to Mexico and it is naturalized in other parts of the neotropics.
Discovery
Ipomoea purga was discovered by Spanish conquistadores while settling among Mexican native peoples. It was introduced to Europe in 1565 as a medical herb used to treat an array of illnesses up until the 19th century when better medical practices had been discovered.
Medical uses
The root contains convolvulin, which is a powerful cathartic. It is used to prevent diarrhea, but large amounts will induce vomiting. When applied to a wound, it is said to induce purgation.
Chemical composition
Ipomoea purga resin can be dissolved in either alcohol or diethyl ether. The resin that is insoluble in ether is odorless while the resin insoluble in alcohol does have an odor and is typically a brownish color. The convolvulinolic acid (C28H52O14)that is produced in Ipomoea purga can be broken down into a sugar molecule (C6H12O6) and a form of crystallized convolvulinolic acid (C16H30O3) when diluted.